Potential New York Jets’ Free Agents: Jermichael Finley

Oct 20, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end

(88) during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Time to take another look at a member of the free agent market.

We are talking about offensive weapons, a theme that will be one that stays around for the duration of the off-season. No surprise there of course, when you have an offense as lacking in weapons as the Jets, there will be constant talk about how to make improvements.

A place the Jets need to improve is at the tight end position. Jeff Cumberland is a nice player, but they don’t see the big time weapon that they need. Kellen Winslow did not step up to be the influence that we had hoped for, and is not expected back.

Much of the talk has been that the Jets will improve this position via the draft, specifically in the first round. But, what if the Jets want to focus on the wide receiver position in the draft? The Jets could work on this position via free agency, and the player’s name is not Jimmy Graham.

Enter Jermichael Finley.

He is only 26 years old, so it’s not like they would be signing a player that is ready to retire. Take a look at his career to date, and you will see that he is not very far removed from some excellent seasons:

Receiving & Rushing

Prior to losing 2013 due to injury, Jermichael had back to back excellent seasons. Back to back seasons of 55 and 61 receptions respectively are nothing to sneeze at. 10 touchdowns in two years is a nice number from a tight end as well.

He posted 55 receptions in 2009 as well, before leaving the 2010 season behind due to a knee injury. Furthermore, if you play out Finley’s 2013 numbers over an entire season, it comes out to approximately 67 receptions for 800 yards and eight touchdowns.

These are excellent numbers for a tight end, and certainly the type of weapon that Geno Smith would be greatly helped by having in his arsenal.

The biggest knock on Jermichael’s candidacy is his injury past. In 2010, he lost most of the season with a severe knee injury. Last season, he only appeared in six games before losing the rest of the year due to a spinal cord injury.

He would have to prove to be quite healthy before John Idzik and company should make a serious move. But if he is healthy, Finley could be an under the radar signing that would pay dividends.